In the older times, when the Ravenheart forest was overrun with the primitive ancestors of the Wild Elves, Westwail was little more than an outpost where the first Kingsguard kept order along the edges of the Wheatsea. Over time, it grew to be an important stopping point for those traveling from the River Towns to points south. So the piers were built and the village expanded taking up the footprint of the old fort (called Fort Tempest in those days).
Westwail was so named for the winds which howl along the faces of the old cliffs here. In some texts, it's mistakenly referred to as West Wall, most likely because of the large walls one sees traveling west from the Ravenheart Forest.
All that remains of the original structure are the walls themselves and a wooden guards' enclosure (which still is remarkably strong and stable after nearly 500 years). It now acts as barracks and small stable for the local constabulary. The town has gone through many structural changes leading to its current layout. The last of these was the temple built in its far northern corner, covering an old series of burial chambers.
Because there is a fairly consistent flow of transient traffic, there are more inns and pubs than one would expect for a village of its size. Also of note is the huge manor belonging to Lady Madhan Markand (known as Madhan the Fair) who has recently inherited the responsibilities of the manor, the village, and Westhold Shire.
While there are fewer farms surrounding and supporting the town, bountiful fishing waters mean there is always a variety of fish and shellfish available here. There are a few fishermen here specifically in service to the pubs, bringing back fresh fish every day.
